Tigers Improve to 16-6 on Season
By Mark Darnell
The Macon Co. Tigers faced Hume Fogg and Goodpasture this week. Macon picked up both wins improving their record to 16-6 (5-0) for the season.
The Blue Knights of Hume Fogg came to town on the 24th. Dallas Grace was pouring it in from Webbtown and helped the Tigers go on a 13-0 run in the first quarter which built a lead of 21-10 after one. The Tigers were able to create a 20 point lead but saw in evaporate to 8 at the half by some strong front-court play by Hume Fogg. After two quarters Macon led 38-30. A problem that seems to be reoccurring this season for the Tigers reared its ugly head. Whether it was turnovers, missed, rushed, or poor shots, the Tigers were only able to score six points in the third period. It seemed that the Tigers were tightening up and after three Macon led 44-42. The turning point of the game came with 7:35 to go and the contest tied. Brantley Russell sank a basket following three quick passes and the Tigers were able to create, and score on, two consecutive Knightro turnovers building the lead back to six. Macon converted on 8 of 12 free throws down the stretch and came away with the win by a score of 61-45.
Scoring were: Tyler Manning 4, Andrew Kempf 2, Trey McPherson 9, Dallas Grace 22, Dalton Shrum 4, Brantley Russell 8, and Tyler Clark 12. Aaron Carter, Dillon McCormick, and Justin Tucker all played but did not score.
On Friday the 27th, the Tigers hosted the Goodpasture Cougars. Both teams were playing at a high level both offensively and defensively and at the end of one the Tigers led 21-17. The senior leadership of Kempf, Manning, and Grace kept the team headed in the right direction and at the half the game was tied at 32. More hot 3-pt shooting by Grace good team defense pushed the Tigers out front 49-40 after three. Balanced scoring by all five starters sealed the win for the Tigers by a score of 75-62. Four Tiger players scored in double figures.
Scoring were: Manning 15, Kempf 2, McPherson 14, Grace 23, Shrum 10, Russell 6, Carter 2, and T. Clark 3.
Next week the Tigers travel to Sycamore on Monday and Greenbrier on Tuesday. They will host Sycamore on Friday February 3rd at Nera White Gymnasium.
